43. Ephesians Part 3
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Paul identifies as a prisoner of Christ Jesus but he is a prisoner of Rome.
He also says it is for the sake of the Gentiles - the group that had historically been out, unclean and cut-off but now according to Paul the mystery of God has been revealed to Him so that they would know that they have been invited in, made clean and fellow heirs (verse 6)
The idea of mystery in verses 3-4 is something that has hidden from man but now revealed through God
Verse 6 says that Gentiles are now fellow heirs, fellow members of the body and fellow partakers of the promise of Christ through the gospel
We do not get to choose who is in and who is out
No birth place, no economic status, no martial status or anything else can determine who is in and who is out
God desires that all come to saving faith in Jesus (2 Peter 3:9)
Paul starts off in verse 1 about to tell them something but then breaks off on something else and then comes back to it at verse 14
So let’s read verse 1 then skip to verse 14-21
He prays that they may have Christ dwelling in their heart and that will be rooted and grounded in love so that
they may comprehend (with all the saints) this is a community action the breadth, length and height and depth of His love - all of His love - in its fullness - in every direction
This love surpasses knowledge -
Do you know with your head the love of God?
He wants to move beyond that
So that you can be filled up with the fullness of God
He again is referring to the Church - this is communal language
We, the Church, are to be full of His love
Do you love the Church?
Do you make attending a priority?
Do you make serving a priority?
Do you make praying for the church a priority?
Chapter 4
Paul reminds us again that he is a prisoner of the Lord and that he implores us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling
Humility and gentleness
Gentleness in greek thought was a virtue especially characterized in women
It is thought to be between extreme anger and indifference
Paul uses it as a way to help believers correct other believers without arrogance
All of our gifts have been given to us by God’s grace
God has given the Church apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor/teachers for the equipping of the saints
so we again all (community) attain unity of the faith so that we will not be tossed around by every wind of doctrine
We must speak Truth in love
4:29 What are the words that come out of your mouth?
Do you words build up and are they spoken at the right time?
This ties into gentleness from the start of this chapter?
Savor Moment:
Read chapters 3 and 4. Enjoy the richness of these chapters as you savor the richness of these roast sliders.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 1/2 lb Chuck Roast
• 1 package Gluten Free Brown Gravy
• 1 White Onions
• 4 cups Beef Stock
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 4 Tbsp Butter
• 4 Slices Provolone Cheese
• 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
• Gluten Free Sub Rolls
• Sub Rolls
PREPARATION STEPS
1. Salt, pepper and garlic powder meat and sear on both sides. Put in crockpot
2. Slice onion and sauté with minced garlic.
3. Mix in gravy packet and beef broth.
4. Add to crockpot
5. Cook on low for 8 hours
6. Use a cup of broth with a tablespoon of flour to make au jus.
7. Slice the buns and add cheese and roast to the bottom bun. Place the top on and bake for 3-4 mins on 350. Serve with a side of au jus.
